Privacy apparel

ABSTRACT

Techniques are disclosed relating to apparel that incorporates features to facilitate changing. In some embodiments, a garment includes a garment structure formed of a fabric material. The garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front portion of a wearer&#39;s body and a back portion operable to cover a back portion of the wearer&#39;s body. The garment includes a first fastener mechanism extending along a first body side of the garment structure. The first fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer. The garment further includes a second fastener mechanism extending along an inseam of the garment structure. The second fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to create a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Prov. Appl. No. 62/969,141, filed Feb. 2, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to apparel, and, more specifically, to apparel that incorporates features to facilitate changing.

Description of the Related Art

Changing in public places or in the presence of others is a common occurrence in society. Some examples are locker rooms, beaches, parks, trails and other public spaces that do not offer adequate changing facilities. Changing in these environments can be intimidating, inappropriate, unlawful or inconvenient. Historically, the most common solution to maintaining privacy and decency while changing garments in public places has been for the wearer to wrap a towel around their waist or torso. The wrapped towel covers the wearer while garments are removed and replaced by alternative garments. If the garment change takes place under the towel, privacy and decency are maintained. This method is cumbersome as the wearer must have a towel with them, maintain the towel's position around their waist or torso during the garment change and exchange garments below the bottom of the draped towel. This method often fails and privacy and decency may be compromised.

More recently, the changing towel or “surf poncho” was introduced claiming more convenience. While the changing towel will not likely fall off unexpectedly, it continues to have disadvantages. Changes of clothes must still be exchanged below, or to the side of the changing towel, which is a cumbersome process. The changing towel and surf poncho are bulky products which are designed as temporary apparel to provide privacy, decency, and slightly more convenience than a traditional towel during the process of changing garments. These products are not designed as functional apparel for the wearer before or after the lower garment exchange in question. The user cannot surf or swim in a surf poncho or utilize it as a complete garment to wear around town.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1-7 are diagrams illustrating a first example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8-16 are diagrams illustrating a second example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17-26 are diagrams illustrating a third example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27-33 are diagrams illustrating a fourth example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34-40 are diagrams illustrating a fifth example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 41-50 are diagrams illustrating a sixth example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 51-55 are diagrams illustrating a seventh example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 56-59 are diagrams illustrating an eighth example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

FIG. 60-65 are diagrams illustrating a ninth example of apparel depicted from the front, back, sides and inseam according to some embodiments.

This disclosure includes references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.) unless specifically stated. For example, a garment may include multiple fabric portions, and the terms “first” and “second” may be used to refer to any portions. The term “first” may also be used when only one element exists.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Existing methods and products that attempt to provide privacy and decency when changing between garments are lacking in dependability, portability or convenience compared with the apparel described below. Additionally, most methods or products do not allow the wearer to utilize the changing device as functional apparel. Existing changing devices that are also functional apparel (e.g., breakaway pants or convertible pants) are limited in their changing capabilities as they do not provide privacy and decency when garments must be completely removed or exchanged by the wearer.

The present disclosure describes embodiments of various apparel that incorporate zippers or other types of closures which function to provide the wearer with privacy, decency and convenience when a change between garments is desired or necessary. Privacy is accomplished when the wearer is able to conceal body parts that they do not wish to expose. Decency is accomplished when the wearer is able to conceal body parts from others that are required to be concealed in public places by law. Convenience is accomplished when overall ease-of-use is enhanced in the process of changing between garments. In addition to these benefits, the apparel may also perform as functional apparel in its respective category (e.g. shorts, surf shorts, swim shorts, gym shorts, pants, workout pants, running pants, biking pants, rompers, dresses, jumpsuits, etc.).

Turning now to FIG. 1, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As used here, the term “garment” refers to any type of wearing apparel for the torso, arms, and/or legs. In the illustrated embodiment, garment 10 is depicted as shorts; however, garment 10 may correspond to other suitable garments such as any of those noted above or those discussed below in greater detail.

As shown, garment 10 includes a garment structure formed of a fabric material. The garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front of a wearer's body and a back portion (shown in FIG. 2) operable to cover a back of the wearer's body. As shown, exemplary garment 10 may include a first zipper 110A extending along a first body side of the garment structure. In the illustrated embodiment, zipper 110A is operable by the wearer to join the front portion of the garment to the back portion to complete a torso opening/waist opening for the wearer. In some embodiments, zipper 110A includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 110AA. Zipper pull 110AA is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of 110A. Zipper 110A may extend an entire body side of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of 110A are partially joined, 110A completes the torso opening of the garment and joins the front and back portions of garment 10 on a first body side.

As shown, garment 10 may include a second zipper 110B extending along an inseam of the garment structure. In the illustrated embodiment, zipper 110B is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion of garment 10 to complete a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer. In some embodiments, zipper 110B includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull labeled 110BB. Zipper-pull 110BB is operable to fully join or fully separate the front and back tracks of 110B. Zipper-pull 110B may extend the entire inseam of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 110B are fully joined, zipper 110B joins the front portion to the back portion of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 110B are fully separated, the front and back portions of garment 10 are completely separated except at the outseams.

As shown, garment 10 may include a drawstring 120, located on the front portion of garment 10 near the torso opening.

As shown, garment 10 is illustrated as functional shorts that also serve as a changing device to provide privacy, decency and convenience to the wearer in the changing process. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 110A are partially or fully joined by zipper-pull 110AA and the front zipper track and back zipper track of 110B are fully separated by zipper-pull 110BB, garment 10 functions as a “changing skirt” when changing into or out of garment 10. Garment 10 may be worn during everyday life, outdoor activities and sporting events, but the garment itself allows the wearer to change into or out of garment 10 with privacy, decency and convenience.

A method of changing into garment 10 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. The wearer loosens and lowers the garment currently worn by         the wearer (garment X) to slightly below the wearer's waistline.         Garment X is the garment that the wearer intends to remove and         replace by wearing garment 10 instead.     -   2. With the front zipper track and the back zipper track of         zipper 110A fully separated and the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 110B fully separated (as shown in FIG. 6         and FIG. 7) and with the interior of garment 10 (shown in         FIG. 7) facing the wearer's body, the wearer wraps the waist of         garment 10 around wearer's waistline and partially or fully         joins the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         110A using 110AA to create a torso opening around the wearer's         waistline.     -   3. The wearer removes garment X from underneath garment 10         through the opening provided by 110B with its front zipper track         and back zipper track fully separated. During this step, garment         10 functions as “changing skirt” so that garment X may be         removed while privacy and decency are maintained by the wearer         in the changing process.     -   4. Once garment X is pulled down low enough, the wearer may         fully join the front track and back track of zipper 110B by         operating zipper-pull 110BB.     -   5. The wearer fully removes garment X.     -   6. If the front track and back track of zipper 110A were not         fully joined in Step 2, the wearer operates zipper-pull 110AA to         fully join the front track and back track of zipper 110A.     -   7. Garment 10 is now fully secured and functioning as shorts for         the wearer and garment X has been fully removed from the wearer.

A method of changing out of garment 10 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. The wearer lowers garment 10 slightly below wearer's         waistline.     -   2. With garment 10 fully secured on the wearer, the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         110B by operating zipper-pull 110BB. The front zipper track and         back zipper track of zipper 110A may remain partially of fully         joined during this step.     -   3. The wearer places feet and legs through the leg openings of         garment X and pulls the waist of garment X up to the waistline         of the wearer. During this step, garment 10 functions as         “changing skirt” so that garment X may be changed into while         privacy and decency are maintained by the wearer in the changing         process.     -   4. Once garment X is secured on the wearer or pulled up high         enough to provide privacy and decency, the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         110A by operating zipper-pull 110AA. At this point, garment X is         worn by the wearer and garment 10 has been fully removed from         there wearer.         Changing into or out of the garment 10 is particularly         convenient while changing in or out of another garment that is         difficult to remove. For example, wetsuits are often difficult         to put on or remove from legs and feet. Significant effort is         often required to free both feet when putting on or removing a         wetsuit. Exemplary garment 10 has the advantage of being worn in         the fully-secured position with the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 110A fully joined and the front zipper         track and back zipper track of zipper 110B fully joined (as         shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) as a functional garment while putting on         or removing a wetsuit as long as the wetsuit is below the inseam         of the garment 10. This provides the wearer with the convenience         of sitting down or bending over and the confidence of         maintaining total privacy and decency, while putting on or         removing the lower portion of the wetsuit.

In FIG. 2, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, a back pocket 130 may be included on the back portion of the garment.

In FIG. 3, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, exemplary garment 10 may include a first zipper 110A operable by zipper-pull 110AA as described above.

In FIG. 4, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, garment 10 does not include a zipper on the depicted side.

In FIG. 5, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, garment 10 may include a second zipper 110B operable by zipper-pull 110BB as described above.

In FIG. 6, a diagram of the exterior portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of zipper 110A are fully separated and the first body side of garment 10 is fully separated along zipper 110A vertically from the torso opening to the right leg opening. Also shown, the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of zipper 110B are fully separated and the entire inseam of garment 10 is fully separated along zipper 110B from the to the right leg opening to the left leg opening. In this depiction, with both tracks of zippers 110A and 110B fully separated, garment 10 is shown laying on a flat plane with the exterior portion of the garment visible.

In FIG. 7, a diagram of the interior portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. As shown, the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of zipper 110A are fully separated and the first body side of garment 10 is fully separated along 110A vertically from the torso opening to the right leg opening. Also shown, the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of 110B are fully separated and the entire inseam of garment 10 is fully separated along 110B from the to the right leg opening to the left leg opening. In this depiction, with both tracks of 110A and 110B fully separated, garment 10 is shown laying on a flat plane with the interior portion of the garment visible.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted. Garment 10A is similar to exemplary garment 10 (described above and shown in FIG. 1-7) with the addition of a third zipper 110C. As shown, third zipper 110C extends along a second body side of the garment structure and is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to complete a torso opening/waist opening for the wearer. Zipper 110C includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 110CC. Zipper-pull 110CC is operable to fully or partially join (or fully or partially separate) the front and back tracks of zipper 110C. Zipper 110C extends an entire second body side of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 110C are partially joined, 110C completes the torso opening of the garment and joins the front and back portions of garment 10A on a second body side.

In FIG. 9, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted.

In FIG. 10, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted.

In FIG. 11, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted.

In FIG. 12, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted.

In FIG. 13, a diagram of the exterior portion of an exemplary garment 10 is depicted. In this depiction, with both tracks of 110A and 110B fully separated, garment 10A is shown laying on a flat plane with the exterior portion of the garment visible.

In FIG. 14, a diagram of the interior portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted. In this depiction, with both tracks of 110A and 110B fully separated, garment 10A is shown laying on a flat plane with the interior portion of the garment visible.

In FIG. 15-16, a diagram of the exterior portion of an exemplary garment 10A is depicted. In this depiction, with both tracks of 110A, 110B, and 110C fully separated, garment 10A is shown laying on a flat plane with the exterior portion of the garment visible.

Turning now to FIG. 17, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 10B is depicted. Exemplary garment 10B is similar to exemplary garment 10 (described above and shown in FIG. 1-7) with the addition of a flexible waistband. As shown, garment 10B may include flexible waistband 140. Waistband 140 may maintain a complete torso opening for the garment while the front and back tracks of 110A are fully separated. Alternatively, waistband 140 may be joined by one or more fasteners (button, Velcro, etc.) to maintain a torso opening (waist) for the garment while the front and back tracks of 110A are fully separated.

A method of changing into garment 10B may include one or more of the steps used to change into garment 10, as described above. If garment 10B includes a flexible waistband 140 that is continuous fabric and is not joined by one or more fasteners, Step 2, as described above, may be replaced as follows:

-   -   2. With the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of 110A         fully or partially separated and the front zipper track and back         zipper track of 110B fully separated, the wearer places the         wearer's legs inside flexible waistband 140 and pull garment 10B         upward along the wearer's legs until 140 surrounds the wearer's         waistline. Alternatively, the wearer may place the wearer's arms         and head through 140 and pull garment 10B downward along the         wearer's torso until 140 surrounds the wearer's waistline.

A method of changing out of garment 10B may include one or more of the steps used to change out of garment 10, as described above. If garment 10B includes a flexible waistband 140 that is continuous fabric and is not joined by one or more fasteners, Step 4, as described above, may be replaced as follows:

-   -   4. Once garment X is secured on the wearer or pulled up high         enough to provide privacy and decency, the wearer removes         garment 10B by pulling 140 down the wearer's legs until the         wearer can step out of waistband 140. Alternatively, the wearer         may pull 140 upward, along the wearer's torso until the wearer         can remove the wearer's arms and heard from 140. At this point,         garment X is worn by the wearer and garment 10 has been fully         removed from the wearer.

In FIG. 18, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 10B is depicted.

In FIG. 19, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 10B is depicted.

In FIG. 20, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 10B is depicted.

In FIG. 21, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 10B is depicted.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a diagram of the front portion of an exemplary garment 10C is depicted. Garment 10C similar to exemplary garment 10B (described above and shown in FIG. 17-21) with absence of zipper 110A on the first body side of garment 10C (as shown in FIG. 24).

In FIG. 23, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 10C is depicted.

In FIG. 24, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 10C is depicted.

In FIG. 25, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 10C is depicted.

In FIG. 26, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 10C is depicted.

Turning now to FIG. 27, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, garment 20 is depicted as pants; however, garment 20 may correspond to other suitable garments such as any of those noted above. For example, garment 20 may be shorts as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1.

As shown, garment 20 includes a garment structure formed of a fabric material. The garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front of a wearer's body and a back portion (shown in FIG. 28) operable to cover a back of the wearer's body. As shown, exemplary garment 20 may include a first zipper 210A extending along a first body side of the garment structure. Zipper 210A is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to complete a torso opening/waist opening for the wearer. In some embodiments, zipper 210A includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 210AA. Zipper-pull 210AA is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of zipper 210A. Zipper 210A may extend an entire body side of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210A are partially joined, zipper 210A completes the torso opening of the garment and joins the front and back portions of garment 20 on a first body side.

As shown, garment 20 may include a second zipper 210B extending along an inseam of the garment structure from the right leg opening to the left leg inseam at juncture 240. Zipper 210B is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion of garment 20 to complete a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer. Zipper 210B includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 210BB. Zipper-pull 210BB is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of 210B. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of 210B are fully joined, zipper 210B joins the front portion to the back portion of the garment from the inseam of the first leg opening to juncture 240.

As shown, garment 20 may include a third zipper 210D extending along an inseam of the garment structure from juncture 240 to the left leg opening. Zipper 210D is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion of garment 20 to complete the length of a second leg opening for the wearer. Zipper 210D includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull labeled 210DD. Zipper-pull 210DD is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of zipper 210D. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of 210D are fully joined, zipper 210D joins the front portion to the back portion of the garment from the inseam of the second leg opening to juncture 240. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of 210B are fully separated and the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210D are fully separated, the front and back portions of garment 20 are completely separated except at the outseams.

As shown, garment 20 may include a drawstring 220, located on the front portion of garment 20 near the torso opening. As shown, garment 20 is illustrated as functional pants that also serve as a changing device to provide privacy, decency and convenience to the wearer in the changing process. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210A are partially or fully joined by zipper-pull 210AA, the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210B are fully separated by zipper-pull 210BB, and the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210D are fully separated by zipper-pull 210DD, garment 20 functions as a “changing skirt” when changing into or out of garment 20. Garment 20 may be worn during everyday life, outdoor activities and sporting events, but the garment itself allows the wearer to change into or out of garment 20 with privacy, decency and convenience.

A method of changing into garment 20 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. The wearer loosens and lowers the garment currently worn by         the wearer (garment X) to slightly below the wearer's waistline.         Garment X is the garment that the wearer intends to remove and         replace by wearing garment 20 instead.     -   2. With the front zipper track and the back zipper track of         zipper 210A fully separated, the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 210B fully separated, and the front         zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210D fully         separated (as shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33) and with the         interior of garment 20 (shown in FIG. 33) facing the wearer's         body, wearer wraps the waist of garment 20 around the wearer's         waistline and partially or fully join the front zipper track and         back zipper track of zipper 210A using zipper-pull 210AA to         create a torso opening around the wearer's waistline.     -   3. The wearer removes garment X from underneath garment 20         through the opening provided by zipper 210B and zipper 210D with         their front zipper tracks and back zipper tracks fully         separated. During this step, garment 20 functions as “changing         skirt” so that garment X may be removed while privacy and         decency are maintained by the wearer in the changing process.     -   4. Once garment X is pulled down low enough, the wearer may         fully or partially join the front track and back track of zipper         210B by operating zipper-pull 210BB.     -   5. The wearer fully removes garment X.     -   6. If the front track and back track of zipper 210A were not         fully joined in Step 2 and the front track and back track of         zipper 210D were not fully joined in Step 3, the wearer operates         zipper-pull 210AA and zipper-pull 210DD to fully join the front         tracks and back tracks of zipper 210A and zipper 210D         respectively.     -   7. Garment 20 is now fully secured and functioning as pants for         the wearer and garment X has been fully removed from the wearer.

A method of changing out of garment 20 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. The wearer lowers garment 20 slightly below the wearer's         waistline.     -   2. With garment 20 fully secured on the wearer, the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         210B by operating zipper-pull 210BB, and the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of 210D         by operating zipper-pull 210DD. The front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 210A remains partially of fully joined         during this step.     -   3. The wearer places feet and legs through the leg openings of         garment X and pulls the waist of garment X up to the waistline         of the wearer. During this step, garment 20 functions as         “changing skirt” so that garment X may be changed into while         privacy and decency are maintained by the wearer in the changing         process.     -   4. Once garment X is secured on the wearer or pulled up high         enough to provide privacy and decency, the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         210A by operating zipper-pull 210AA. At this point, garment X is         worn by the wearer and garment 20 has been fully removed from         the wearer.         Changing into or out of the garment 20 is particularly         convenient while changing in or out of another garment that is         difficult to remove. For example, wetsuits are often difficult         to put on or remove from legs and feet. Significant effort is         required to free both feet when putting on or removing a         wetsuit. Exemplary garment 20 has the advantage of being worn in         the fully-secured position with the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 210A fully or partially joined and the         front zipper tracks and back zipper tracks of zippers 210B and         210D partially or fully joined, as a functional garment while         putting on or removing a wetsuit as long as the wetsuit is below         the joined portion of the front zipper track and back zipper         track of zipper 210B and the front zipper track and back zipper         track of zipper 210D are fully separated. This provides the         wearer with the convenience of sitting down or bending over and         the confidence of maintaining total privacy and decency, while         putting on or removing the lower portion of the wetsuit.

In FIG. 28, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted. As shown, a back pocket 230 may be included on the back portion of the garment.

In FIG. 29, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted. As shown, exemplary garment 20 may include a first zipper 210A, operable by zipper-pull 210AA, as described above.

In FIG. 30, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted.

In FIG. 31, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted. As shown, garment 20 may include a second zipper 210B, operable by zipper-pull 210BB, as described above. As shown, garment 20 may include a third zipper 210D, operable by 210DD, as described above.

In FIG. 32, a diagram of the exterior portion of an exemplary garment 20 is depicted. As shown, the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of zipper 210A are fully separated and the first body side of garment 20 is fully separated along zipper 210A vertically from the torso opening (waist) to the right leg opening. Also shown, the front zipper track and the back zipper track of zipper 210B are fully separated and the front zipper track and the back zipper track of zipper 210D are fully separated and the entire inseam of garment 20 is fully separated along zippers 210B and 210D from the to the right leg opening to the left leg opening. In this depiction, with both tracks of zippers 210A, 210B and 210D fully separated, garment 20 is shown laying on a flat plane with the exterior portion of the garment visible.

In FIG. 33, a diagram of the interior portion of an exemplary garment 20, as is depicted. As shown, the front zipper track and the back zipper track of zipper 210A are fully separated and the first body side of garment 20 is fully separated along zipper 210A vertically from the torso opening to the right leg opening. Also shown, the front zipper track and the back zipper track of zipper 210B are fully separated and the front zipper track and the back zipper track of zipper 210D are fully separated and the entire inseam of garment 20 is fully separated along zippers 210B and 210D from the to the right leg opening to the left leg opening. In this depiction, with both tracks of zippers 210A, 210B and 210D fully separated, garment 20 is shown laying on a flat plane with the interior portion of the garment visible.

Turning now to FIG. 34, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted. Garment 20A is similar to exemplary garment 20 (shown in FIG. 27-33) with the addition of zipper 210C. As shown, exemplary garment 20 may include a fourth zipper 210C, extending along a second body side of the garment structure. Zipper 210C is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to complete a torso opening/waist opening for the wearer. Zipper 210C includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 210CC. Zipper-pull 210CC is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of 210C. Zipper 210C extends an entire second body side of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210C are partially joined, zipper 210C completes the torso opening of the garment and joins the front and back portions of garment 20A on a second body side.

In FIG. 35, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted.

In FIG. 36, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted.

In FIG. 37, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted.

In FIG. 38, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted.

In FIG. 39, a diagram of the exterior portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted. In this depiction, with both tracks of zippers 210A, 210B and 210D fully separated, garment 20A is shown laying on a flat plane with the exterior portion of the garment visible.

In FIG. 40, a diagram of the interior portion of an exemplary garment 20A is depicted. In this depiction, with both tracks of zippers 210A, 210B and 210D fully separated, garment 20A is shown laying on a flat plane with the interior portion of the garment visible.

Turning now to FIG. 41, a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 20B is depicted. Exemplary garment 20B is similar to exemplary garment 20 (described above and shown in FIG. 27-33) with the addition of a flexible waistband. As shown, garment 20B may include flexible waistband 250. Waistband 250 may maintain a complete torso opening/waist opening for the garment while the front and back tracks of 210A are fully separated. Alternatively, waistband 250 may be joined by one or more fasteners (button, Velcro, etc.) to maintain a torso opening for the garment while the front and back tracks of zipper 210A are fully separated. As shown, garment 20B is illustrated as functional pants that also serve as a changing device to provide privacy, decency and convenience to the wearer in the changing process. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 210A are partially or fully joined or partially or fully separated by zipper-pull 210AA and the front zipper tracks and back zipper tracks of zippers 210B and 210D are fully separated by zipper-pulls 210BB and 210DD, garment 20B functions as a “changing skirt” when changing into or out of garment 20B. Garment 20B may be worn during everyday life, outdoor activities and sporting events, but the garment itself allows the wearer to change into or out of garment 20B with privacy, decency and convenience.

A method of changing into garment 20B may include one or more of the steps used to change into garment 20, as described above. If garment 20B includes a flexible waistband 250 that is continuous fabric and is not joined by one or more fasteners, Step 2, as described above, may be replaced as follows:

-   -   2. With the front zipper track and the back-zipper track of 210A         fully or partially separated, and the front zipper tracks and         back zipper tracks of 210B and 210D fully separated, the wearer         places wearer's legs inside flexible waistband 250 and pulls         garment 20B upward along the wearer's legs until 250 surrounds         the wearer's waistline. Alternatively, the wearer may place the         wearer's arms and head through 250 and pull garment 20B downward         along the wearer's torso until 250 surrounds the wearer's         waistline.

A method of changing out of garment 20B may include one or more of the steps used to change out of garment 20, as described above. If garment 20B includes a flexible waistband 250 that is continuous fabric and is not joined by one or more fasteners, Step 4, as described above, may be replaced as follows:

-   -   4. Once garment X is secured on the wearer or pulled up high         enough to provide privacy and decency, the wearer removes         garment 20B by pulling waistband 250 down the wearer's legs         until the wearer can step out of 250. Alternatively, the wearer         may pull waistband 250 upward, along the wearer's torso until         the wearer can remove the wearer's arms and heard from waistband         250. At this point, garment X is worn by the wearer and garment         10 has been fully removed from the wearer.

In FIG. 42, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 20B is depicted.

In FIG. 43, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 20B is depicted.

In FIG. 44, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 20B is depicted.

In FIG. 45, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 20B is depicted.

Turning now to FIG. 46, a diagram of the front portion of an exemplary garment 20C is depicted. Garment 20C similar to exemplary garment 20B (described above and shown in FIG. 41-45) with absence of zipper 210A on the first body side of garment 20C (as shown in FIG. 48).

In FIG. 47, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 20C is depicted.

In FIG. 48, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 20C is depicted.

In FIG. 49, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 20C is depicted.

In FIG. 50, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 20C is depicted.

Turning now to FIG. 51 a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 30 is depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, garment 30 is depicted as a romper; however, garment 30 may correspond to other suitable garments such as any of those noted above. For example, garment 30 may also include sleeves and/or full length pant legs (similar to garment 20).

As shown, garment 30 includes a garment structure formed of a fabric material. The garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front of a wearer's body and a back portion (shown in FIG. 52) operable to cover a back of the wearer's body. As shown, exemplary garment 30 may include a first zipper 310A, extending along a first body side of the garment structure. Zipper 310A is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to complete a first side of the garment for the wearer. Zipper 310A includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull labeled 310AA. Zipper-pull 310AA is operable to fully or partially join or fully or partially separate the front and back tracks of zipper 310A. Zipper 310A may extend an entire body side of the garment from the bottom of the right arm opening to the outseam of the right leg opening. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 310A are partially joined, zipper 310A completes the first body side of the garment and joins the front and back portions of garment 30 on a first body side.

As shown, garment 30 may include a second zipper 310B, extending along an inseam of the garment structure. Zipper 310B is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion of garment 30 to complete a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer. Zipper 310B includes a front zipper track and back zipper track operable by zipper-pull 310BB. Zipper-pull 310BB is operable to fully join or fully separate the front and back tracks of zipper 310B. Zipper 310B may extend the entire inseam of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 310B are fully joined, zipper 310B joins the front portion to the back portion of the garment. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper 310B are fully separated, the front and back portions of garment 30 are completely separated except at the outseams and the shoulder straps 350.

As shown, garment 30 may include shoulder straps 350 joining the front portion and back portion of garment 30 and creating head and arm openings for the wearer. As shown, garment 30 is illustrated as a functional romper that also serve as a changing device to provide privacy, decency and convenience to the wearer in the changing process. When the front zipper track and back zipper track of 310A are partially or fully joined by 310AA and the front zipper track and back zipper track of 310B are fully separated by 310BB, garment 30 functions as a “changing skirt” when changing into or out of garment 30. Garment 30 may be worn during everyday life, outdoor activities and sporting events, but the garment itself allows the wearer to change into or out of garment 30 with privacy, decency and convenience.

A method of changing into garment 30 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. The wearer loosens and lowers the garment currently worn by         the wearer (garment X) to slightly below the wearer's waistline.         Garment X is the garment that the wearer intends to remove and         replace by wearing garment 30 instead.     -   2. With the front zipper track and the back zipper track of         zipper 310A fully separated, and the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 310B fully separated, the wearer places         the wearer's head and arms through the openings created by         straps 350 so that straps 350 rests on the wearer's shoulders on         either side of the wearer's neck.     -   3. The wearer removes garment X from underneath garment 30         through the opening provided by zipper 310B with its front         zipper track and back zipper track fully separated. During this         step, garment 30 functions as “changing skirt” so that garment X         may be removed while privacy and decency are maintained by the         wearer in the changing process.     -   4. Once garment X is pulled down low enough, the wearer may         fully join the front track and back track of zipper 310B by         operating zipper-pull 310BB.     -   5. The wearer fully removes garment X.     -   6. If the front track and back track of zipper 310A were not         fully joined in Step 2, the wearer operates zipper-pull 310AA to         fully join the front track and back track of 310A.     -   7. Garment 30 is now fully secured and functioning as romper for         the wearer and garment X has been fully removed from the wearer.

A method of changing out of garment 30 may include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   1. With garment 30 fully secured on the wearer, the wearer fully         separates the front zipper track and back zipper track of zipper         310B by operating zipper-pull 310BB. The front zipper track and         back zipper track of zipper 310A may remain partially of fully         joined or fully separated during this step.     -   2. The wearer places feet and legs through the leg openings of         garment X and pulls the waist of garment X up to the waistline         of the wearer. During this step, garment 30 functions as         “changing skirt” so that garment X may be changed into while         privacy and decency are maintained by the wearer in the changing         process.     -   3. Once garment X is secured on the wearer or pulled up high         enough to provide privacy and decency, the wearer removes head         and arms from the openings created by straps 350 and fully         remove garment 30 from wearer. At this point, garment X is worn         by the wearer and garment 30 has been fully removed from there         wearer.         Changing into or out of the garment 30 is particularly         convenient while changing in or out of another garment that is         difficult to remove. For example, wetsuits are often difficult         to put on or remove from legs and feet. Significant effort is         required to free both feet when putting on or removing a         wetsuit. Exemplary garment 30 has the advantage of being worn in         the fully-secured position with the front zipper track and back         zipper track of zipper 310A fully joined and the front zipper         track and back zipper track of zipper 310B fully joined (as         shown in FIG. 51 and FIG. 52) as a functional garment while         putting on or removing a wetsuit as long as the wetsuit is below         the inseam of the garment 30. This provides the wearer with the         convenience of sitting down or bending over and the confidence         of maintaining total privacy and decency, while putting on or         removing the lower portion of the wetsuit.

In FIG. 52, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 30 is depicted.

In FIG. 53, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 30 is depicted. As shown, exemplary garment 30 may include a first zipper 310A, operable by zipper-pull 310AA, as described above.

In FIG. 54, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 30 is depicted.

In FIG. 55, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 30 is depicted. As shown, garment 30 may include a second zipper 310B, operable by 310BB, as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 56 a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 30A is depicted. Garment 30A is similar to exemplary garment 30 (shown in FIG. 51-55) with the exception that zipper 310A may not extend an entire body side of the garment from the bottom the right arm opening to the outseam of the right leg opening, but rather may extend from the outseam of the right leg opening along the first body side of the garment without reaching the bottom of the right arm opening (as shown in FIG. 58)

In FIG. 57, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 30A is depicted.

In FIG. 58, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 30A is depicted. As shown, exemplary garment 30A may include a first zipper 310A, operable by zipper-pull 310AA, as described above.

In FIG. 59, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 30A is depicted.

In FIG. 60, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 30A is depicted. As shown, garment 30A may include a second zipper 310B, operable by zipper-pull 310BB, as described above.

Turning now to FIG. 61 a diagram of the front of an exemplary garment 30B is depicted. Garment 30B is similar to exemplary garment 30 (shown in FIG. 51-55) with absence of zipper 310A on the first body side of garment 30 (as shown in FIG. 63).

In FIG. 62, a diagram of the back portion of an exemplary garment 30B is depicted.

In FIG. 63, a diagram of the first body side portion of an exemplary garment 30B is depicted.

In FIG. 64, a diagram of the second body side portion of an exemplary garment 30B is depicted.

In FIG. 65, a diagram of inseam portion of an exemplary garment 30B is depicted. As shown, garment 30B may include a second zipper 310B, operable by zipper-pull 310BB, as described above.

Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment, comprising: a garment structure formed of a fabric material, wherein the garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front portion of a wearer's body and a back portion operable to cover a back portion of the wearer's body; a first fastener mechanism extending along a first body side of the garment structure, wherein the first fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer; and a second fastener mechanism extending along an inseam of the garment structure, wherein the second fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to create a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment structure includes a third fastener mechanism located at the waist of the garment on the same body side as the first fastener mechanism.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment structure includes a flexible waistband, wherein the first fastener mechanism does not penetrate the waistband, wherein the first fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to close the body side of the garment.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment structure includes a third fastener mechanism extending along a second body side of the garment structure, wherein the third fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer to join the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer after the first fastener mechanism has been fastened.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first fastener mechanism or the second fastener mechanism includes one or more zippers.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first fastener mechanism or the second fastener mechanism includes Velcro.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first or second fastener mechanisms include one or more magnetic fasteners.
 8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first or second fastener mechanisms include one or more snap fasteners.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric material is moisture-resistant.
 10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is shorts.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is pants.
 12. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a romper or a coverall.
 13. A method for changing into a first garment from a second garment, comprising: sliding the first garment over the second garment, wherein a garment structure of the first garment includes a front portion operable to cover a front portion of a wearer's body and a back portion operable to cover a back portion of the wearer's body; fastening a first fastener mechanism of the first garment to join the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer, wherein the first fastener mechanism extends along a first body side of the garment structure; removing the second garment from underneath the first garment; and fastening a second fastener mechanism of the first garment to join the front portion to the back portion to create a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer, wherein the second fastener mechanism extends along an inseam of the garment structure, wherein the second fastener mechanism is operable by the wearer.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: fastening a third fastener mechanism located at the waist of the first garment on the same body side as the first fastener mechanism.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: fastening a third fastener mechanism to join the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer after the first fastener mechanism has been fastened, wherein the third fastener mechanism extends along a second body side of the garment structure.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: tying a drawstring of the first garment, wherein the drawstring wraps around a torso of the wearer.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first garment is shorts.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the first garment is pants.
 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the first garment is a romper or a coverall.
 20. A garment, comprising: a garment structure formed of a fabric material, wherein the garment structure includes a front portion operable to cover a front portion of a wearer's body and a back portion operable to cover a back portion of the wearer's body; a first means for joining the front portion to the back portion to create a torso opening for the wearer, wherein the first means is operable by the wearer; and a second means for joining the front portion to the back portion to create a first leg opening and a second leg opening for the wearer, wherein the second means is operable by the wearer. 